Things can get a bit frustrating if you go bottom fishing without the right fishing gear.
Picking out the best bottom fishing reel is one of the most important steps when you’re targeting bottom-feeding species.
We highly recommend the Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel if you want a versatile fishing reel that also works well when bottom fishing. Yes, that’s right you can use spinning reels for bottom fishing.
There are a lot of different bottom fishing reels on the market.
So to make your search a tad easier, we’ve compiled our top 5 picks below.
Best Bottom Fishing Reel – Reviews & Buying Guide
Best Overall: Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel
Designed to withstand the elements, the Saltist Spinning Reel by Daiwa is both rugged and durable.
It stands out for its incredible smoothness and long-lasting performance.
Daiwa engineered this bottom fishing spinning reel with quite a number of outstanding features, including a lightweight air rotor, aluminum ABS spool with a reversed taper and maximized core, magnetic oil, and waterproof carbon ATD drag system.
The reel is designed with a line capacity of 170 yards of 20 lb test braid line and 170 yards of 8 lb test monofilament line.
It might come as a surprise to find a spinning reel rated number one in any bottom fishing reel list.
But there are a couple of reasons we’ve picked this option as our overall best model.
For the most part, spinning reels are easier to use compared to baitcasters and conventional reels.
But more specifically, this model comes with all the right features that will make bottom fishing a lot easier.
The reel comes with plenty of drag resistance to pull in giant bull bass or lingcod. Daiwa equipped this model with a uniquely shaped air rotor that weighs 15% less than standard rotors.
This results in evenly distributed stress throughout the rotor for maximum strength. Plus, you won’t have to deal with added weight.
Other noteworthy features include the waterproof drag system that provides peace of mind when fishing in either freshwater or saltwater. There is no need to fret about potential water damage.
With ball bearings made from high-quality stainless steel materials to offer remarkable corrosion resistance, you can expect this spinning reel to last up to 12 times longer than other regular models.
Little wonder we picked this as our best spinning reel for bottom fishing.
In addition to all of these, the Saltist Spinning Reel is extremely durable. It might not be the lightest reel on the market, but you can be sure this one won’t come apart just because you stepped on it.
Featured Specs
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
- Bearing Material: Stainless Steel
- Hand Orientation: Right Hand
Pros
- Engineered to take a lot of punishment for a long time without flinching
- Suitable for both freshwater and ocean fishing
- Large spool diameter produces less line memory coil
- Suitable for both mono and braid lines
- ABS spool significantly minimizes casting friction
Cons
- Slightly on the heavier side
Also Available From: daiwa.us
Runner-Up: Daiwa Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reel
If you’re into bottom fishing with live bait, we highly recommend checking out the Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reel from Daiwa. Not only does it have a high gear ratio of 6.4:1, which is perfect for jigging, but it also allows you to quickly reel in your catch.
Constructed from durable machined aluminum, the reel is built to last and has an anodized finish that provides excellent corrosion resistance. It’s also specifically designed to work with braided line and can handle a maximum drag pressure of up to 25 pounds, making it a powerful tool for reeling in those bigger fish.
What’s more, the reel features a free spool that allows for longer casts, making it an ideal choice for fishing in any condition. And with its drag system capable of applying up to 25 pounds of pressure to the spool, you can feel confident in your ability to reel in even the toughest catches.
Overall, the Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reel is a fantastic choice for any angler looking for a reliable and high-performing reel for bottom fishing.
Featured Specs
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Bearing Material: Aluminum
- Hand Orientation: Right Hand
Pros
- Excellent option for braided line
- Higher gear ratio allows for faster reeling
- Significant torque for fighting larger species
- Sturdy and durable reel with high performance
- Delivers longer casts in a variety of fishing conditions
Cons
- Does not have an auto line guide system
Also Available From: daiwa.us
Alternartive: PENN Squall II Star Drag
From PENN comes the Squall II Star Drag Conventional Fishing Reel with its upgraded spool bearings, fast gear access side plate, and a knob mag dial.
All of these combine to make the aluminum reel more angler-friendly than ever before.
Its revolutionary live spindle design means you can use this to cast a little bit farther than regular casting reels.
The reel with is versa-drag system is available in sizes 12 to 40, so you can easily find something that fits your fishing rod.
The PENN Squall II Star Drag Conventional Fishing Reel should be on your radar if long-distance casts are a priority.
Thanks to its innovative Live Spindle design, the reel can deliver significantly long casts.
In addition to this, it is lightweight and retrieves rather quickly, a combination of features that earns it a spot on our best bottom fishing reel list.
While the Squall II Star Drag is a great pick for bottom fishing, it can also be used for light-duty offshore work and surf fishing.
Featured Specs
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
- Bearing Material: Stainless Steel
- Hand Orientation: Right Hand
Pros
- Excellent build quality with premium construction materials
- Built for longer casts
- Lightweight reel with quick retrieve
- Delivers high drag pressure
- Knob mag dial for maximum casting control
Cons
- The reel clamp might be too small so check your rod before ordering
Also Available From : pennfishing.com
Alternative: KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel
KastKing’s Rover is a go-to choice for many anglers, thanks to its solid construction.
This model comes with thick aluminum side plates, CNC machined spool, top-of-the-line stainless steel worm gear, and more.
While this particular product is left-hand, the reel is also available in right-hand orientation.
The KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel is one of the most widely popular models on this list, and that’s not merely because of its relatively low price point.
As far as level wind baitcasting reels are concerned, Rover is rated the best reel for bottom fishing for a couple of reasons.
First, it comes in a reinforced aluminum body with stainless steel handle and double-shielded stainless steel bearing.
Secondly, it features a drag system designed with superior carbon fiber. That means you can expect Rover to deliver the smoothest performance and last for a very long time.
Also, the handle is ergonomically designed with nonslip EVA grips. Plus, it is lightweight and easy to palm.
You can use the versatile reel to catch different species in saltwater and freshwater, and it works great for a variety of fishing techniques, including bottom fishing, trolling, and more.
Featured Specs
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
- Bearing Material: Stainless Steel
- Hand Orientation: Left Hand
Pros
- Moderately-priced baitcasting reel with great value
- Super smooth double-shielded stainless steel bearing
- Delivers up to 30 lb max drag pressure
- Suitable for a variety of techniques in both saltwater and freshwater
- Dependable level wind round baitcasting reel
Cons
- You’ll have to add monofilament to the spool first because it is not braid-ready
Also Available From: kastking.com
Alternative: PENN RIV15LWCP Rival Level Wind
The PENN Rival Level Wind is a fantastic reel if you want to try bottom fishing without spending too much money on reels.
This option features a lightweight graphite frame and side plates, carbon fiber drag washers, and auto-engaging gears, among others.
It is an extremely versatile reel that can help you master how to use baitcasting reel even if you are new to baitcasters.
Most good bottom fishing reel models are generally expensive, which can make them inaccessible for anglers on a tight budget.
That’s where the Rival Level Wind reel from Penn comes into the picture. It is one of the most affordable reels suitable for bottom fishing, yet it doesn’t compromise on quality.
The reel is constructed from graphite material, making it lightweight and convenient to use for longer periods.
The main gear is engineered from marine-grade bronze alloy, while the pinion gear is designed using cut brass.
We highly recommend this option if you are looking for a good entry-level bottom fishing reel.
Featured Specs
- Handle Material: Carbon Fiber
- Bearing Material: Stainless Steel
- Hand Orientation: Right Hand
Pros
- Very affordable reel
- Oversized handle for increased reeling comfort
- Line capacity rings indicate how much line is left
- Rigid frame rings prevents frame flex
- A versatile, all-round fishing reel
Cons
- The star drag leave more to be desired
Also Available From: pennfishing.com
Best Bottom Fishing Reel FAQ
Can you bottom fish with a spinning reel?
Yes, it is possible to bottom fish with a spinning reel if a conventional reel is not readily available.
Spinning reels are quite easy to use, so most anglers can use them for bottom fishing, regardless of experience.
But before you go bottom fishing with a spinning reel, make sure to use a superior-performing model.
Ideally, a spinning reel for bottom fishing should have an instant anti-reverse switch.
Typically, the anti-reverse switch is located at the bottom of the reel and is helpful when fighting fish.
Instead of depending on your drag system for line tension, the bottom switch on the fishing reel allows you to reel in reverse or backward to prevent line breakage.
Although automatic drag systems can fail, it is usually a good idea to use the bottom switch on the fishing reel (anti-reverse switch) when fighting lighter fish species.
In any case, using a spinning reel means you will experience slow speed because of the tension brake.
In other words, while spinning reels are generally easier to use compared to baitcasters, they will work your shoulders to death if you plan to go on an all-day bottom fishing adventure.
For the best results, conventional reels are an ideal option due to their strength and general build quality or construction.
This is especially true if you invest in the best 2-speed reel for bottom fishing you can afford.
This model gives you the best of both worlds with a high gear for retrieving line and a low gear for increased torque.
A baitcaster is also a great reel for bottom fishing because it allows you to make longer casts.
However, you need a bit of experience to use this type of reel for bottom fishing or any other technique for that matter.
What is a bottom reel?
In simple terms, a bottom reel is a reel that can be used for bottom fishing.
While conventional reels are generally good for bottom fishing, the best bottom fishing reel will have the following features:
- High gear ratio: The best conventional reel for bottom fishing will feature a higher gear ratio. That means you will be able to reel in your fishing line a lot faster. This is particularly useful if you are working with a very long fishing line. A higher gear ratio also reduces cases of line snags or snaps that can happen when a hooked bottom-feeding fish hides in a sunken wreck or some other underwater structure. That’s because you can quickly reel in hundreds of yards with a higher gear ratio reel before the hooked fish gets a chance to swim into a hard-to-reach hiding spot.
- Bait clicking feature: A good bottom fishing reel should come with a bait clicking feature. With this feature, you will hear a clicking sound that alerts you when a fish takes your bait or lure so you can quickly set your hook.
- More line capacity: As the name suggests, bottom fishing means targeting fish that lives far below the surface of water bodies. That means you will need a good bottom fishing reel that offers more line capacity than what’s typically found on spinning and baitcasting reels. This will enable you to get your bait deep into the water where your target species like to feed.
Should your fishing reel be on top or bottom?
Regardless of the reel you use, its primary function is in its name; to reel in the fishing line.
The position of a reel on a rod can be at the top or bottom of a fishing rod, depending on the reel and rod type.
If you use a baitcaster, it will typically sit on top of a casting fishing rod. On the flip side, a spinning reel goes underneath a spinning fishing rod.
The most important thing to remember is to match your reel to the correct type of fishing rod because rods and reels are designed for specific purposes.
Conventional reels and baitcasting reels are designed to pair with casting rods. These rod types are usually longer and heavier to provide greater casting distance.
Spinning rods are usually shorter and lighter and are designed to work with spinning reels.
What is the best bait for bottom fishing?
Generally, the best bait for bottom fishing would be live bait. But as with everything fishing, this is not a rule cast in stone.
You can have effective results with lures such as jigs and plugs or dead baits. The exact bait you have isn’t as important as knowing how to use it when bottom fishing.
For the purpose of this guide, here are the best baits for bottom fishing:
Live Bait
Want a cheat code for bottom fishing? Use live baits!
Usually, live bait will help you land more fish, and is particularly more effective if you are targeting large species.
Keep in mind that it takes a bit of effort to learn and master how to use it.
But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be pleased with your results. Here are some excellent live baits to use:
- Pinfish: Target giant groupers and snappers with live pinfish. They just can’t resist it. But remember to use a pair of pliers to cut off the pins on the pinfish.
- Ballyhoo: You can use ballyhoo as live bait for bottom fishing, but it also works great when you cut it into plugs or chunks.
- Squid: Bottom fish love squid, making it great live bait for bottom fishing.
- Bonita: Catch this and cut it up into thin strips to make one of the best bottom fish baits.
- Pilchards: Live pilchards make excellent baits for targeting small groupers and snappers.
Lures
More experienced anglers prefer lures, especially as this option comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. This gives the fisherman a wide range of choices.
Bottom fishing with lures is best if you pick one with a sinker. It is also important to move the lure just like a live baitfish would when retrieving.
As you may have guessed, using lures effectively for bottom fishing calls for a bit more skill and they are generally more expensive than live bait.
But the results are well worth the effort and cost.
When it comes to lures, some of the best bait for bottom fishing include:
- Metal vertical jigs
- Plugs or crankbaits
- Wet subsurface flies (these are designed to imitate sunken insects and minnows)
- Swimbaits and jigheads
Dead Baits
Dead baits are your best bet if you prefer an easy option. For many beginners and those who fish on occasion, this is the go-to choice.
You don’t have to worry about fishing for bait, preparing it, or any steep learning curve. Also, using dead bait generally doesn’t require any special skills.
Simply walk into any local tackle shop, take your pick from the available options, hook it to your rod and reel combo, and you are good to go.
The most important thing to keep in mind when using this option is to choose bait that will completely and easily sink to the bottom, similar to how a dead fish will go right to the bottom.
Some of the best dead baits to use for bottom fishing include:
- Cigar minnows
- Sardines
- Mullet
- Menhaden
Whichever bait works for you, it is possible to catch just about any fish that lives near the bottom.
In other words, bottom fishing allows you to target a wide variety of species, depending on the type of fishing you are doing.
If you enjoy fishing from offshore, using the bottom fishing technique with a good bottom fishing reel and the right type of bait can get you some iconic fighting species.
You can land giant amberjack, snapper, tilefish, or grouper with bottom fishing rods and reels.
If saltwater fishing is your thing, the correct bait and the best reel for bottom fishing will help you catch a sea bass or flounder easily.
In freshwater, you could catch anything from bass to bluegill, carp, and even perch.
Conclusion
Choosing a good bottom fishing reel can be tricky considering the sheer number of options available from all the competing manufacturers.
Thankfully, this guide provides some buying insights to help pick out the best bottom fishing reel that suits your needs.
Conventional and baitcasting reels are the standard recommendation for bottom fishing.
But spinning reels are the go-to option for many anglers because they are easy to use for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
For this reason, we highly recommend the Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel if you want an all-round fishing reel that also works for bottom fishing.
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